Give Your Child the Tools to Thrive in School from Preschool Through High School
Parenting doesn't come with a manual but helping your child succeed in school can.
In How to Do School, school psychologist Denise Mattingly, MA provides a practical, easy-to-follow guide that empowers parents to confidently support their child's academic, social, and emotional development at every stage of their education.
Drawing on years of experience working with students, teachers, and families, Mattingly explains what children need to know, when they need to know it, and how parents can build those skills at home through simple, engaging activities.
Whether you're preparing your child for preschool or navigating the challenges of high school, this comprehensive resource gives you the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions every step of the way.
Inside you'll discover:
• Grade-by-grade developmental milestones from preschool through 12th grade
• Practical activities that strengthen learning, communication, and critical thinking
• How to build the habits that lead to lifelong academic success
• What to do when your child struggles in school
• Guidance for understanding IEPs, MTSS, evaluations, and special education services
• How to communicate effectively with teachers and school staff
• Tips for choosing between public, private, charter, and other school options
• Answers to common questions about grade retention, academic readiness, and learning differences
• Checklists, real-life conversations, and actionable strategies you can use immediately
More than a parenting book, How to Do School is a year-by-year roadmap that helps parents understand how children learn, grow, and succeed.
Whether you're a first-time parent, homeschooling family, caregiver, grandparent, or educator, this book will become a trusted reference you'll return to throughout your child's school journey.
Help your child build confidence, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential one school year at a time.